Listen

I get paid relatively good money for what I do, be it in publishing wedding magazines or designing wedding attire. We offer a personalised, niche product and service, and I'd like to think that my industry colleagues and I know a thing or two about weddings. We do not profess to know it all but for those of us who have been in this industry for quite a number of years, we can be certain of what works and what doesn't.

Which begs the question ... why would some clients pay you good money and then not listen to your advice? Every once in a while we come across clients who think they know best. They originally appointed us because of our expertise, knowledge and experience but end up wanting things their way, some of which granted, are good ideas whilst others are just plain ridiculous.

This is my tenth year in the industry and I've come to the conclusion that it is not worth one's while banging one's head against the wall. I will continue to do what is right but if certain clients decide to go their own way, well good luck to them. Enough said.

Cindy in a simple and beautiful lace gown I designed, if I may say so myself! Photo courtesy of Covershots.

So Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart, an American, is a well-known name in wedding circles, even here in Malaysia. So many of us wedding professionals purchase the quarterly Martha Stewart Weddings publication, visit her website and sometimes catch her TV show. Many would not disagree that she is the ultimate arbiter of style when it comes to all things weddings.

So it comes as no surprise that we sometimes use her name as an adjective. Case in point, I was at Covershots for an event yesterday and Pam, the gracious hostess that she is, always feeds us. Not only that, she often ensures that what she serves is presented in a manner befitting a wedding practitioner. See the photo? Well, I remarked, 'It's so Martha Stewart, Pam'. Get what I mean?

I have always felt that when presented well, the simplest of pastries are augmented to a more sophisticated level. They may taste the same but the experience is definitely heightened.

Photo shot at Covershots in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

New Blood

The Association Of Wedding Professionals (AWP) held its AGM yesterday evening. After a year at the helm, founders Leticia of Events Wizard and Eileen of Nupts & Such were returned as President and Vice President respectively. Members who turned up for the meeting made such a proposition in order to have some continuity, considering that AWP only recently turned 1.

After numerous 'I propose', 'I second' and subsequent voting, some new blood have been injected, namely Pam of Covershots, Irene of The WeddingCard Shop, Lee Kuen of Bridal Glam, Anizah of TrulyScrumptious! and Yeh of Wondrous Vision, either as office bearers or committee members. New blood means new ideas, a perfect complement to the continuity quotient, which will hopefully lead to an expansion of membership and enhanced enthusiasm.

Debra of Acadia meanwhile has been retained as Treasurer whereas I have changed portfolios from Secretary to Membership. Running an association demands passion and commitment. Here's to the 2009/2010 team!

Photo shot at Covershots in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

It Is Better To Give Than To Receive

This evening, we gave away RM105,000 worth of wedding prizes, all contributed by industry colleagues from the 'weddingsmalaysia family'. 16 deserving couples were the lucky recipients by virtue of being winners of the 'A Virtual Treasure Hunt : An Online Search For Wedding Goodies' contest, co-organised by weddingsmalaysia and Chocolate Mousse.

I believe that when I say 'it is better to give than to receive', I speak on behalf of my fellow sponsors who were present at the finale at Covershots. The camaraderie that is always evident between our group of industry colleagues was again on display as we wholeheartedly congratulated each and every one of the 16 couples who made it a point to dress for the occasion and who had to undergo a Q&A session with our 3 judges from the Association Of Wedding Professionals. Their efforts in hunting for more than 50 answers in the online contest clearly paid off.

To the 50 or so prize sponsors, I say 'thank you'. Collaborative initiatives such as this is what makes the work so enjoyable, and to see that we have collectively contributed to the wedding plans of 16 couples is very much testament to our motto of 'making dream weddings a reality'. Cheers.

Photo of clock at Covershots, Petaling Jaya.